Hana Cartridge Range Explained – From EL to Umami

When it comes to upgrading your turntable, choosing the right cartridge can transform the way you experience vinyl. Hana has built a strong reputation for producing moving coil cartridges that balance performance, value, and musical engagement. Hand-assembled in Japan, Hana cartridges are designed to make high-end vinyl playback accessible without losing the richness and detail audiophiles demand. Here's a clear breakdown of the Hana range, from the entry-level EL to the flagship Umami.

Hana EL/EH: Entry-Level Excellence

The EL (low output) and EH (high output) are ideal introductions to moving coil cartridges. They deliver a warm, smooth sound with strong dynamics, perfect for listeners taking their first step beyond moving magnet designs. Affordable yet highly musical, they make vinyl more immersive without stretching the budget.

Hana SL/SH: Stepping Up in Detail

The SL (low output) and SH (high output) build on the EL/EH foundation with a more refined stylus and generator design. Expect tighter bass, greater resolution, and a wider soundstage. These models suit enthusiasts who want to uncover more nuance in their record collection.

Hana ML/MH: Micro-Line Precision

The ML (low output) and MH (high output) are equipped with a micro-line stylus, which tracks the groove with incredible accuracy. This results in improved detail retrieval, cleaner highs, and reduced distortion. They are an excellent choice for audiophiles ready to elevate their system to the next level.

Hana Umami: The Flagship Experience

At the top of the range sits the Umami, Hana's statement cartridges. They combine advanced stylus profiles, top-grade materials, and meticulous assembly to deliver an experience that is transparent, dynamic, and emotionally engaging. For listeners seeking the very best in analogue playback, the Umami range represents the pinnacle of Hana's philosophy.

Hana Cartridge Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Model: Turntable, Phono Stage, and Output Matching

The comparison table above shows what each model delivers sonically. The more practical question for most buyers is which specific model suits their turntable and phono stage combination, and whether to choose low or high output. Here is FutureShop's matching guide.

Low output (EL, SL, ML, Umami Red) vs high output (EH, SH, MH): the deciding factor is your phono stage. Every Hana cartridge is available in both low and high output variants, with one critical exception: the Umami Red is low output only. The choice between low and high output is determined entirely by the phono stage in your system, not by personal preference or system quality.

Low output moving coil cartridges (typically 0.4mV to 0.5mV for Hana) require a phono stage with MC gain, usually between 60dB and 70dB. If your phono stage has a dedicated MC input or a switchable MC/MM input with the appropriate gain, the low output variants (EL, SL, ML, Umami Red) are the correct choice. Low output MC cartridges generally produce lower noise floors and more precise generator control than their high output equivalents at the same model level.

High output moving coil cartridges (typically 2.0mV for Hana) are compatible with standard MM phono stages (around 40dB gain) and with the built-in phono stages found in many integrated amplifiers. If your integrated amplifier has only a standard MM phono input, or if your external phono stage has MM-only gain, the high output variants (EH, SH, MH) allow you to enjoy Hana's moving coil generator technology without needing to change your phono stage. The trade-off is that high output MC cartridges achieve their higher voltage by using more coil windings, which adds mass to the generator assembly and can slightly reduce the ultimate speed and resolution compared to the low output equivalent.

Hana EL or EH: the right first Hana for most systems. The EL and EH are the appropriate starting point for listeners moving from a moving magnet cartridge for the first time, and for systems where the turntable and phono stage are in the £500 to £1,500 range. Common pairings at this level include the Rega Planar 2 or 3 with the Rega Fono MC, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, or a Thorens TD 148 A with its built-in phono stage. The EH is specifically appropriate for the Rega Planar 3 with its standard Rega Fono MM or a built-in MM stage, where the high output level allows direct connection without a dedicated MC stage. The warm, smooth character of the EL/EH suits a wide range of amplifiers and is particularly forgiving with older pressings that a more analytical cartridge might expose unfavourably.

Hana SL or SH: the step up for systems ready to reveal more. The SL and SH are the appropriate choice once the turntable, phono stage, and amplifier are capable of revealing the additional detail and bass control the SL/SH provides over the EL/EH. Common pairings include the Rega Planar 6 with the Rega Aria phono stage, the Pro-Ject X2 B with the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B, or a Clearaudio Concept with a dedicated MC stage. If you already own an EL or EH and your phono stage and amplifier are performing well, the SL or SH is the most natural next cartridge: it shares the warm musical character of the E series but with meaningfully tighter bass definition and a wider, more dimensional soundstage.

Hana ML or MH: for systems where resolution has become the priority. The ML and MH represent a more significant step up in character as well as performance. The micro-line stylus traces groove geometry more precisely than an elliptical, recovering detail from recordings that an elliptical stylus cannot access. This improvement is most audible in systems that are already well-optimised, where the phono stage, amplifier, and speakers are resolving enough to reveal what the micro-line is retrieving. Common pairings include the Rega Planar 8 or 10, a Pro-Ject Xtension or Signature, or a Michell Gyrodec with a dedicated MC stage such as the Rega Aura, Whest PS.30RDT, or Gold Note PH-10. The ML/MH also rewards a well-set-up tonearm: the additional resolution of a micro-line stylus is partly masked by azimuth, tracking force, or anti-skate errors that a less revealing elliptical stylus would tolerate more readily.

Hana Umami Red: for reference vinyl systems. The Umami Red is appropriate only as a low output cartridge, and suits systems where the phono stage is a dedicated high-performance MC design with adjustable loading. Common pairings include a Rega Planar 10 or RP10 with the Rega Aura, a SME Model 12 or 20 with a Whest or Manley Chinook, or an extended-arm turntable with a top-tier phono stage. At this level, the limiting factor shifts from the cartridge to the quality of the setup: a correctly aligned and loaded Umami Red on a resonance-controlled turntable with a clean phono cable reveals everything the recording contains. Upgrading to Umami Red before addressing phono stage quality, tonearm alignment, or turntable isolation is likely to produce a smaller improvement than addressing those fundamentals first.

FutureShop Insight: No matter where you are on your vinyl journey, there is a Hana cartridge to match your system and preferences. From the accessible EL to the breathtaking Umami, each step in the range brings new levels of clarity, depth, and connection to your music.

If you are new to fitting or upgrading a cartridge, our Mastering Vinyl guide covers everything from fitting a new cartridge to tracking force adjustment and phono stage setup. Browse the complete Hana range at FutureShop and find the model that suits your system and budget.

Browse the full Hana cartridge range at FutureShop. Not sure which model suits your turntable and phono stage? Get in touch with our team for free expert advice.